Orthodontic treatment (usually with braces) is most often used to improve the appearance and alignment of crooked, protruding or crowded teeth, and to correct problems with the bite of the teeth.

The benefits of orthodontics can include:

• correction of dental crowding and straightening of your teeth
• correction of your bite so the front and back teeth meet evenly
• reducing the chance of damage to prominent teeth

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth, or their teeth do not meet correctly when they bite. These problems can mean it’s harder to keep your teeth and gums clean and your teeth are more likely to become damaged.

In some cases, abnormal positioning of your teeth and jaw can affect the shape of your face.

Orthodontics can also help in the treatment of other health problems, such as a cleft lip and palate.